Shesko's confirmed comeback date! Manchester United rejects Roma's loan-to-buy offer for Zirkzee, specifying transfer conditions

Manchester United declined Roma's loan-to-buy offer for Joshua Zirkzee, but they have also set conditions for his exit in the January transfer window. Although Zirkzee, who joined for €42.5 million, recently returned to the starting lineup following Benjamin Šeško's injury, Ruben Amorim does not consider him a player for the club’s future plans.

Zirkzee netted his first Premier League goal in almost a year during the turnaround victory over Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, he started again in the following match against West Ham but failed to score and was substituted in the second half as the team was held to a draw.

At 24 years old, Zirkzee has scored only 4 goals in his last 38 Premier League appearances. He is aware that his future does not lie with Manchester United and hopes to complete a transfer during the January winter window.

Zirkzee aims to secure a regular starting role to boost his chances of returning to the Dutch national team for the 2026 World Cup. Ronald Koeman has made it clear that if Zirkzee does not play frequently, he will not be selected. The Netherlands have been drawn into Group F at the North American World Cup alongside Japan, the winner of the European playoff Group B, and Tunisia.

Despite Zirkzee’s underwhelming performances at Manchester United, Serie A clubs remain interested in him. The Dutch forward scored double-digit goals in his last season playing in Italy. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma’s coach Gasperini highly values him and wants to sign him.

Italian media even report that Zirkzee has agreed to join Roma, but the transfer depends on an agreement between the two clubs. Manchester United has already rejected Roma’s initial proposal, which involved a six-month loan with an obligation to buy if Roma qualified for the Champions League.

Manchester United insists on a permanent transfer for Zirkzee, as they need the funds immediately. The club might use the money from his sale in the January window to acquire a new midfielder. The Red Devils’ asking price for Zirkzee is unclear but rumored to be around €35 million.

Selling Zirkzee could increase Manchester United’s transfer budget in January, with Amorim eager to sign a new midfielder. Therefore, owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe demands tough negotiation standards when offloading players, absolutely refusing to let any club acquire their players for free.

Roma’s sporting director Frederic Massara is still in talks with Manchester United regarding this potential deal, but it is not yet certain if it will be finalized. Roma also have other forward options, including Tottenham’s Mattis Ter and Corinthians’ striker Yuri Alberto.

Manchester United’s €85 million striker Šeško is close to returning. If he successfully comes back, the likelihood of selling Zirkzee increases, especially after the Africa Cup of Nations concludes. The 23-year-old Šeško is reportedly expected to return to action on December 15 in the Premier League match against Bournemouth.

Šeško was injured in the November 8 match against Tottenham and has missed three games since. He will also miss the upcoming away league match against Wolves. According to GIVEMESPORT, Šeško aims to play against Bournemouth; his knee injury is not severe, and his recovery is progressing well and steadily.

If Šeško can return before Christmas, it would be a significant boost for Manchester United, especially considering that after the Bournemouth match, Mbemo and Amad Diallo will leave to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.